Lion’s Head emerging from the mist – Flickr pic of the day

Helen says, “This shot was taken on one of those days with lots of interesting clouds around. Lion’s Head in particular had clouds and mist rushing around it, constantly breaking up and reforming, alternately revealing and hiding the peak.

“What I like about Cape Town is having so many different attractions and such great scenery in close proximity: farmlands with rolling wheatfields; the winelands and of course our great wines; mountains that showcase our geological history; rivers and forests; wonderful coastlines and your choice of crowded or deserted beaches; nature reserves where you can discover our incredible floral kingdom and wild animals. Cape Town is a great place for taking a day drive and just exploring,” she continues.

Every major city in the world has its parks, and seaside towns across the globe can surely boast a clean strip of beach or commanding urban forest. But few human centres in the world can come close to matching Cape Town’s array of locations and activities relating to the natural environment and its fauna and flora.

From the nature trails of the mountain complex itself to the Peninsula’s bird and sea life – not to mention that is it the setting of the coun­try’s most famous Botanical Garden, Kirstenbosch – there’s an abundance of attractions for lovers of the natural world.